Three Shindigs and a Mid-Term (Break)

February 21, 2009

[Okay, so the post title is a bit obscure (I was alluding to Four Weddings and a Funeral)–but with the Oscars coming up in a couple of days, and with my having seen, hmmn, let’s see–a total of “zero” of the movies, I wanted to make reference to that grand little Golden Guy in some way or other in this post. ]

Shindig One: The most recent celebration we enjoyed here in the DDD household was an intimate birthday dinner for my friend Eternal Optimist (consisting of just the EO, the HH, and me).We three enjoyed a spectacular, yet simple meal of Potato-Miso Soup (Alisa’s uniquely delicious recipe: satiny smooth, rich and slightly yeasty from the hint of miso–in fact, this was the second time I’ve made this in a week!); trusty Tagine of Quinoa with Chickpeas, Olives and Prunes (always a hit around here); garlic sautéed rapini and collards; and a special b-day cake (chocolate layers with sugar-free chocolate buttercream frosting (both from Sweet Freedom) and the Sweet Potato Frosting I wrote about a while back.

It was grand to spend a leisurely evening together fêting a dear friend. The EO also brought along her own pooch, another border collie cross, and The Girls were in heaven. (“We love having our friends over, too, Mum! Except next time, there should be a cake that we can eat as well.”)

Shindig Two: In addition to the birthday, the dinner was also occasion for a spontaneous mini-celebration in honor of the cookbook finally reaching the publisher. After numerous delays in formatting and glitches with the cover, it’s finally on its way! My publishing rep called yesterday to confirm that she received the files and their part of the book’s production will begin next week. YIPPPPPPEEEEEE!! (Of course, this means it will still take about three months before the book is in print, but it is out of my hands at this point). I can’t even begin to express what a relief that is! So we had a little toast in honor of Sweet Freedom last evening as well.

Shindig Three: Despite mountains of marking, I’ll be peeking in periodically at the Academy Awards, that shindig to beat all shindigs, that tribute to all things silicone and Juvéderm and Botox, that massive glitterati ego-massage that will take place on Sunday evening. From the Barbara Walters interviews to the Joan Rivers gaffes to the melodramatic and slurred acceptance speeches, I love it all. And even if I haven’t actually seen any of the movies, who cares? That’s not what the Oscars are all about, anyway!

Before I depart on break, I thought it might be fun to leave you with a little midterm quiz of your own to ponder while I’m away (and the best part–it doesn’t matter whether you know the answers or not!). I’ll reveal the “correct” responses when I get back (though with a bit of sleuthing, it should be fairly easy to find them before then).

[Chocolate birthday cake in all its uncut glory]

A Diet, Dessert and Dogs Mid-Term Quiz

Instructions: Please answer each of the following questions. Note that this is an open-blog test; answers can be found in previous entries. Please double space your answers.

We’ll miss you! Good luck with grading all those midterms – I know we students can say crazy things on tests sometimes. By the way, that sweet potato frosting has been calling my name since I first saw it here😛

Oh, so many things to say! Congratulations on the book! I am so glad you like the soup as much as I do. I literally have only made cake in the past for the frosting, so I am definitely going to have to make this sweet potato version! That cake is gorgeous!!!

Ok, they were all D’s except number 2 right? Did I win? do I get a piece of that amazing cake? Come on!?

Seriously, you cake is so beautiful. I need to come and hang out at your place so you can teach me to decorate like that! There is something so cool about orangy frosting, I don’t know why, I just love it, and if it’s sweet potato, well, all the better!

I haven’t seen any of the movies either. I’m so out of the collective popular subconscious…sigh.

That cake looks amazing! I went into the fridge earlier, I was finally getting around to making the truffle cups, but then I realised my sweet potatoes had died! I took too long to get around to them. I will have to buy more!

Yay for the cookbook. I suppose the title now describes your state of mind as well as the recipes. Good planning!

With Hugh Jackman as the host, I guess I’ll have to watch the Oscars this year. I’ve even seen two of the main films and two of the documentaries. Whoohoo!
(Man on Wire and Trouble the Water highly recommended)

i’m going to miss you and your glorious posts, Ricki! i can’t wait for your return! that’s one beautiful b-day cake, and i’ve gotta try out the soup! mmmmmmmmm! hoooooooray for Sweet Freedom making it to the publisher! superdoublew00t!

Well at least you go missing for a reason! Great recipes as always. Potato Miso soup sounds like something I would love. And that cake is amazing. Sweet Potato frosting sounds fantastic. I have to try that.